Early qualifying for New Zealand Open

The countdown is almost over for golfers hoping to play in the New Zealand Open Championship in Queenstown.

The National Open, which will be staged at The Hills Golf Club and Millbrook from February 27 – March 2, holds a purse of (NZD) $900,000 and is expected to be the biggest golf event staged in New Zealand for many years.

Elite professionals and amateurs can play for a spot in the New Zealand Open with the first stage pre-qualifying events being staged around the country on Tuesday January 28.

This will give aspiring golfers from around the country a rare chance to play in the New Zealand Open.

A total of 25 spaces in the final qualifying tournaments will be up for grabs at the first stage qualifying venues.

The final stage of qualifying will be held at the Omaha Golf Club and Cromwell Golf Club on Monday February 24 and Tuesday February 25 respectively.

A total of 10 spaces in the final New Zealand Open field will be played for at the final qualifying tournaments.

Michael Glading, the New Zealand Open Tournament Director, said: “These qualifiers are once again making the New Zealand Open accessible for golfers all around the country to take part in our iconic golfing event. We are hugely grateful for the support of all six qualifying venues.

“Many of these courses have their own legacy of hosting memorable New Zealand Opens and we are pleased that affinity with the championship will continue in 2014.

“We have had huge interest from elite players in New Zealand and Australia on how they can play the NZ Open and this is their chance to be part of the best week on the national golf calendar in Queenstown.”